Attention Deficit
There can be many causes and contributing factors to issues with attention. Chemical imbalances, processing deficits, communication challenges, spectrum issues and anxiety can all impede a person’s ability to remain attentive. In addition, developmental history (e.g., premature birth, NICU, chronic ear infections) can have a significant impact on attention and processing. One of the best ways to improve attention regardless of the cause is to make sure an individual’s processing is functioning optimally. For example, if a child is displaying distractibility at school, it may be a result of an attention deficit or it may instead be primarily due to an auditory or sensory processing issue or learning disability. If the child is struggling with attention and also has a processing deficit, he or she is even more likely to display inappropriate behaviors including impulsivity, inattention or distractibility. Key to Me Therapy uses three powerful technology-based interventions to improve processing through a process called Neuroplasticity--the brain’s ability to change in response to input. These changes enable the brain to process information more quickly and accurately in response to neurological stimulation, which will, in turn, improve sustained attention and reduce distractibility and impulsivity.
The following difficulties can be related to processing deficits that may negatively impact a person’s ability to pay attention:
Developmental History
Delayed motor development
Delayed speech and language development
Stressful or traumatic prenatal or birth events
Traumatic events in early childhood
Premature Birth
Extensive medical interventions in early childhood (e.g., surgery, NICU, etc)
Adoption
Early separation for mother
Recurring ear infections, illness or asthma
Concussion or head injury
Behavioral and Social Adjustment
Low tolerance for frustration
Poor self-image or low self-confidence
Difficulty in making and keeping friends
Withdraws from or avoids social interactions
Tendency towards irritability
Inordinately tired at the end of the school day/meltdowns at the end of the school day
Low motivation, minimal interest in school, little desire to participate
Tense and anxious
Difficulty setting goals and priorities
Difficulty in beginning and completing projects
Difficulty with time concepts and punctuality
Difficulty making judgments and generalizing to new situations
Hesitant to accept responsibility
Difficulty completing assignments
Lack of tactfulness
Tendency to act immaturely
Does not tolerate stress well
Level of Energy/Energy Regulation
Difficulty getting up
Excessive tiredness at the end of the day
Habit of procrastinating
Difficulty doing homework at end of school day
Hyperactivity
Difficulty falling asleep/winding down at bedtime
Tendency toward depression
Feels overburdened with everyday tasks